Gerry Anderson, best known for creating children’s television programme Thunderbirds, has died at the age of 83.

The British producer and writer, who moved to a care home in October after suffering from dementia in recent years, passed away in his sleep at midday.

His son Jamie revealed the news on his website, writing: ‘I’m very sad to announce the death of my father, Thunderbirds creator, Gerry Anderson.

‘He died peacefully in his sleep at midday today (26th December 2012), having suffered with mixed dementia for the past few years. He was 83.’

Anderson was best known for creating hit show Thunderbirds (Picture: Rex)

Nick Williams, the chairman of Anderson’s fan club, paid tribute by saying: ‘To those who met him Gerry was a quiet, unassuming but determined man. His desire to make the best films he could drove him and his talented teams to innovate, take risks, and do everything necessary to produce quite inspirational works.

‘Gerry’s legacy is that he inspired so many people and continues to bring so much joy to so many millions of people around the world.’

Anderson began his career in photography before moving into television, with 50s children’s show The Adventures of Twizzle marking his first work with puppets.

In 1964 he and then-wife Sylvia created marionette show Stingray, the first British children’s show to be filmed entirely in colour.

Anderson was also the brains behind Captain Scarlet (Picture: BBC)

The same year Anderson saw the birth of his most famous creation, Thunderbirds, which followed the adventures of an international rescue organisation headed by ex-astronaut Jeff Tracy.

A total of 32 episodes were created, with the show constantly repeated over the years for younger generations.

Thunderbirds was remade as a feature film in 2004, but Anderson dismissed the movie as ‘the biggest load of c**p I have ever seen in my life.’

He was also responsible for other iconic shows including Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons, Joe 90 and Space: 1999.

Gerry Anderson is survived by children Joy, Linda, Gerry Junior, Jamie and his wife Mary.

(FILE) Thunderbirds Creator Gerry Anderson Dies At 83

NOVEMBER 1964: The four directors of AP Studios and the original team that created the 'Supermarionation' process used in the TV puppet adventure series 'Stingray' (Getty)

NOVEMBER 1964: The four directors of AP Studios and the original team that created the 'Supermarionation' process used in the TV puppet adventure series 'Stingray' (Getty)

(FILE) Thunderbirds Creator Gerry Anderson Dies At 83

Co-founders of a TV puppet adventure series 'Stingray', Gerry and Sylvia Anderson with some of the 'cast'. (Getty)

Co-founders of a TV puppet adventure series 'Stingray', Gerry and Sylvia Anderson with some of the 'cast'. (Getty)

(FILE) Thunderbirds Creator Gerry Anderson Dies At 83

Gerry Anderson and his wife, Sylvia, at the premiere of Thunderbirds Are Go (Getty)

Gerry Anderson and his wife, Sylvia, at the premiere of Thunderbirds Are Go (Getty)

Gerry Anderson death

JUNE 2001: Gerry Anderson is confered a MBE (Member of the British Empire) in the Queen's Birthday honours list (PA)

JUNE 2001: Gerry Anderson is confered a MBE (Member of the British Empire) in the Queen's Birthday honours list (PA)

Gerry Anderson death

SEPTEMBER 2000: Gerry Anderson creator of the fictional characters Thunderbirds, (left-right) Alan, Scott and Virgil at Hamley's toy store in central London (PA)

SEPTEMBER 2000: Gerry Anderson creator of the fictional characters Thunderbirds, (left-right) Alan, Scott and Virgil at Hamley's toy store in central London (PA)

Gerry Anderson death

MAY 1966: Gerry Anderson and his wife Sylvia at the Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane, London, with The Television Society Silver medal awarded to Thunderbirds (PA)

MAY 1966: Gerry Anderson and his wife Sylvia at the Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane, London, with The Television Society Silver medal awarded to Thunderbirds (PA)

Gerry Anderson death

SEPTEMBER 2012: Alzheimer's Society supporter and Thunderbirds creator Gerry Anderson (left) and his son Jamie (PA)

SEPTEMBER 2012: Alzheimer's Society supporter and Thunderbirds creator Gerry Anderson (left) and his son Jamie (PA)

Gerry Anderson death

Gerry Anderson is famous for creating Thunderbirds (Picture: PA)

Gerry Anderson the Creator of the TV show Thunderbirds has died at the age of 83 (PA)

Gerry Anderson death

Gerry Anderson died peacefully in his sleep (Picture: PA)

JANUARY 2001: Gerry Anderson holds Thunderbird 2 on the 40h anniversary of the Thunderbird (PA)